5 Foods To Reduce Stress & Anxiety

The exam period can be a stressful time, so it is good to keep your body healthy with foods that can reduce stress and anxiety. Research shows that some foods act as natural remedies for anxiety, while others can send you into overdrive. Try these 5 foods that reduce stress and anxiety today.

1. Asparagus

This is a vegetable that contains a huge amount of folate – which is a valuable mood-boosting nutrient. One cup alone provides 2 thirds of your daily recommendation of folate.

Ditch the French fries and serve up some steamed or grilled asparagus as a side or have them as a snack with hummus or salsa.

2. Avocado

Containing a vast amount of vitamin B which help the body to make neurotransmitters such as serotonin which influences mood. Deficiency in vitamin B has been linked with anxiety. Avocados also contain healthy fats which helps to absorb nutrients and reduce the risk of some diseases.

Next time you are looking for a healthy dessert – try avocado ice cream!

3. Blueberries

When we are anxious and stressed our body needs vitamin C in order to repair and protect cells, and blueberries are packed with it. They also contain antioxidants which have been proven to reduce anxiety.

Blueberries are a healthy alternative to sweets, still giving you your sweetness fix and are a positive immune booster.

4. Almonds

Magnesium is good for anxiety related symptoms and inadequate levels can lead to reducing the levels of serotonin transmitting to the brain. About 12 almonds contain 20% of your daily recommended magnesium intake.

Swap your unhealthy sweets and biscuits for a handful of nuts when you are feeling peckish!

5. Yoghurt

This may be a surprising one but it has been shown to reduce anxiety! The best yoghurts are the Greek / plain type that contain live and active cultures that have millions of probiotic cultures per gram, which reduce stress and anxiety.

Try having Greek Yoghurt on your cereal instead of milk to mix it up – it will have huge health benefits.